I need to boost my immune system - all suggestions welcome!

[FlorenceAndtheWashingMachine]

I am worn out. Following a very long period of on-off stress caused by my DD2's health problems (which are still ongoing ) I feel truly knackered and vulnerable.

I had a chest infection for the whole of the autumn, finally shifted that and started getting fit again in January. I then succumbed to a truly horrible cold. My DH didn't get it, my DD1 had it for two days, it hit DD2 really hard, and I had it for three weeks.

I am taking a vitamin tonic, will start back at the gym tomorrow and I am trying to eat as healthily as possible. Does anyone have any other suggestions, please? I could do with six months in the Bahamas but that isn't likely to happen...

Sorry you're unwell -- am watching to see others' suggestions, as dh and I have both had long periods of illness this winter too.

I'm the same too- usually really healthy. I'm taking an iron pill now, and glucosamine and chondratin ( I run) for my joints, and there are lots of other herb bits in there too. Only just started them so cant report any difference yet.
I used to have a piece or two of fruit everyday but am out of the habit now.

Lots of sleep (if possible!)

Instead of going to the gym..start with walking/exercise outdoors - fresh air is very very good for you and gives you a chance to think and look around you.

Be good to yourself - think about the food you are putting into your body as healing you..avoid anything processed.

Do a 10 day cleanse (not when you are ill!) - no wheat, no dairy, no alcohol, no sugar (not even honey!), and definitely no caffeine. You will feel like crap at the beg., but after about 4 days you will feel amazing.

Spend 5-10 minutes quiet time every day. No thoughts, just you, sitting quietly, no distractions.

Turn the telly and the computer off. Turn radio or music on. Or nothing. Enjoy the silence.

Sleep more
Give up refined sugar
Laugh once a day, a real belly laugh
Avoid watching telly and reading the paper for a bit

Sleep.
Floradix for iron etc.
Vits A, C, E with selenium and zinc specifically for supporting the immune system (as these are the micronutrients the immune system uses the most)
Plenty of fluids
Fruit and veg up to 10portions a day, pref organic if you can afford it.

And what everyone else said as well.
Good luck!

echinacea, multivitamin - I know that you are already on one, check that it has plenty vitaminb6 & B12, and some iron in (the 'worn out' thing applies to me, now we find out i'm anaemic)
My mother is never ill with coughs and colds, and swears that it is since she started drinking honey & lemon every morning. big dessertspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon or orange juice - fresh.

I found a real improvement when (apart from the iron tablets) I started to make sure that I get several glasses of water every day, and going for fruity teas esp cranberry ones rather than ordinary tea or coffee.

If you figure out how to manage that six months in the Bahamas, Florence, please can i come too?

Ooh, thanks everyone. There are lots of really good ideas here.

I am going to formalate a plan (I do love plans)and aim to have a sping/summer of really getting myself back into balance. I shall report back on the results!